Capital One Venture X is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.9/10. Cleanest premium card math. $400 in credits + anniversary miles = effectively free.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: families spending $250+/month at us supermarkets. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Amex Blue Cash Preferred or Capital One Venture X?
Capital One Venture X (8.9/10) wins for most people. Cleanest premium card math. $400 in credits + anniversary miles = effectively free. Amex Blue Cash Preferred is the right choice if: families spending $250+/month at us supermarkets.
What is Claire's score for Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Claire rates Amex Blue Cash Preferred 8.3/10. Verdict: Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.
What is Claire's score for Capital One Venture X?
Claire rates Capital One Venture X 8.9/10. Verdict: Cleanest premium card math. $400 in credits + anniversary miles = effectively free.
Who should choose Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Families spending $250+/month at US supermarkets.
Who should choose Capital One Venture X?
Travelers who book through portals.
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Head to head, by the numbers
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Capital One Venture X
Claire's score
8.3/10
8.9/10
Price
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Top strength
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
$300 annual travel credit offsets most of the fee
Biggest drawback
$95 annual fee from year two
$300 credit only applies to Capital One Travel bookings
The case for Amex Blue Cash Preferred
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
6% on select streaming services
3% at US gas stations
$0 first-year annual fee
The case for Capital One Venture X
$300 annual travel credit offsets most of the fee
10,000 anniversary miles worth $100
Priority Pass + Capital One lounges
2x miles on all purchases
Bottom line
Capital One Venture X takes this one on the numbers (8.9/10 vs 8.3/10). The best $395 annual fee travel card. The math is almost too clean — $300 travel credit plus $100 in anniversary miles effectively makes it free.
That said, Amex Blue Cash Preferred isn't a loser — it's a different answer. Best grocery card for families. 6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year is the highest earn rate in the category.